Watford vs Liverpool - Premier League preview and odds

Published on: 01/05/2017

Watford vs Liverpool - Premier League preview and odds

May 01, 2017 20:00pm - Vicarage Road

Premier League

Liverpool can tighten their grip on a Champions League spot when they make the journey south to face 13th-ranked Watford on Monday night.

Reds looking to take advantage of weekend results

Despite losing 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace last week, Liverpool`s top four hopes remain intact thanks to the performances of both Manchester teams over the weekend. With wourth-ranked City and fifth-ranked United both drawing, the Merseyside team are still in control of their own Champions League destiny.

The Reds are currently sat in third place, level on points with Pep Guardiola`s men but ahead thanks to their superior record, with Jose Mourinho`s team are a point further back. As a result, four wins in their next four games would guarantee a top four finish.

Jurgen Klopp`s men won their last two matches away from home, but failed to win any of the five prior to that. All of their defeats this season have come against teams in the bottom half of the table, a fact that does not bode well for Monday night.

Meanwhile, Watford have remained inconsistent throughout the season, failing to put any significant runs together but winning enough to keep themselves out of trouble. As a result, they currently sit in 13th place in the table with a total of 40 points, enough to ensure that they will be playing Premier League football for a third-straight season.

The Hornets have won their last three home games in a row without conceding a goal and they have already beaten three top-eight sides at Vicarage Road this term (Manchester United, Everton and West Bromwich Albion). Their overall record at home reads W8 D4 L5, not bad for a side still coming to terms with top-flight football under a new coach.

Team news

Younes Kaboul (thigh), Mauro Zarate and Roberto Pereyra (muscular) are all out injured for the home side, while Craig Cathcart (knee) and Ben Watson (groin strain) are both doubtful.

Meanwhile, the visitors medical staff will continue to nurse Daniel Sturridge (hip flexor strain), Sadio Mane (knee), Jordan Henderson (foot), Oviemuno Ejaria (ankle sprain) and Danny Ings (meniscus tear), while Ragnar Klavan (knee) and Adam Lallana (thigh) will both require further examination.

Recent form (League)

Watford: LWLWW

Liverpool: LWWDW

Betting odds and tips

The big question on Monday night will be: Can Liverpool handle the pressure? The Reds have struggled against the lower teams but must win this one to keep their top four destiny in their own hands. What`s more, Watford are no pushovers on home soil.

Klopp`s men have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine matches, but have scored at least one goal in each of their last 22 matches. The home side have scored in each of their last six home games, so goals could be on the agenda here.

The Anfield club have all to play for while Watford are pushing for the prestige of league position. As a result, Klopp`s men should be backed to get the job done.

You can back Liverpool to win and Both Teams to Score at 21/10 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 01/05/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (01/05/2017 03:30:30) but are subject to change.